Craving a flavour explosion that's both quick and incredibly satisfying? Then look no further than this ultimate Chinese Chilli Salt Squid recipe! This dish perfectly balances tender, succulent squid with a fiery, addictive chilli salt seasoning. Imagine perfectly cooked squid rings, lightly crisp on the outside and incredibly soft within, tossed in a fragrant blend of chilli flakes, salt, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. It's the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, guaranteed to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The vibrant colours and irresistible aroma will have everyone reaching for more.
This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring readily available ingredients and minimal cooking time. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparations; this recipe focuses on achieving maximum flavour with effortless execution. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to making the best Chinese Chilli Salt Squid you've ever tasted!
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Knife
- Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Squid tentacles and whole squid
- Tapioca flour (or potato starch)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sliced spring onion
- Salt: 2 tablespoons
- Five-spice powder
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Squid and Seasoning
- Clean and prepare the squid. Slice the whole squid into thin, triangular pieces. Discard the tough end parts.
- Heat the wok, add salt and fry until the color changes.
- Reduce heat, add five-spice powder, and stir until well combined. Let it cool slightly.
- Add black pepper to the cooled spice mixture and mix well.

- Mix the squid with tapioca flour until evenly coated.

Step 2. Fry the Squid
- Heat oil in the wok. Fry the squid until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried squid and set aside.


Step 3. Combine and Finish
- In the same wok, quickly fry the squid again with the seasoning mixture.
- Add sliced spring onions and sweet chili sauce. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with fried garlic (optional).



Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Don't overcrowd the wok when frying the squid; fry in batches if necessary.
- The oil should be hot enough to make the squid crispy, but not so hot that it burns.
- If the five-spice powder is added while the oil is too hot, it will easily burn.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure a crispy result.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chilli flakes. Start with less and add more to taste.
3. What can I serve this with?
This Chilli Salt Squid is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with beer, rice, or as part of a larger Chinese meal.
This Ultimate Chinese Chilli Salt Squid recipe delivers incredible flavour with minimal fuss, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. The satisfying crunch and addictive spice will leave you wanting more, so prepare to be captivated by its delicious simplicity. Enjoy this easy-to-make, restaurant-quality dish, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family!